Right Whale Research Program

The Right Whale Research Program (also historically known as the Fishing Gear Mini-Grants Program) emphasized the funding of projects to reduce the risk of serious injury and mortality to large whales, especially right whales, from entanglements in commercial fishing gear. NOAA Fisheries Service encouraged the submission of projects by commercial fishermen or other industry-related professions and encouraged applicants to work with NOAA Fisheries Service staff to develop their research idea or concept. In 2006, the scope of the Right Whale Research Program was expanded by accepting proposals for projects that addressed some right whale biological needs in support of the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan (ALWTRP).

Funded Projects – Click below to view summaries of projects that have been funded through this program (2002 through 2006).

Contact Information – Most of the final reports funded through this program are not available for public distribution. Please click here for Contact Information of NOAA Fisheries Service staff that may assist you in obtaining project reports or answering questions about this grant program.

Atlantic Coast States Cooperative Planning for Right Whale Recovery Program

Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to enter into cooperative agreements with states that establish and maintain adequate and active programs for the conservation of endangered and threatened species.

The Atlantic Coast States Cooperative Planning for Right Whale Recovery Program provided all coastal states with the ability to fund projects with a strong likelihood of reducing death and serious injury to right whales through the development or implementation of recovery plan tasks. Any coastal state, regardless of an active section 6 agreement, was eligible to apply for funding through this program.

Funded Projects & Their Final Reports – Click below to view summaries of state projects that have been funded through this program (2002 through 2006), as well as the final reports that have been submitted after the projects have been completed.